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Over the past decade, enrollment at San Diego County public schools has decline by about five percent. That means there are 27,000 fewer students in local schools. State officials are projecting rates of decline will only get worse, which will force educators to make some hard decisions.

Art historian Zaixin Hong examines the enduring significance of the soundscape of music and calligraphy. The soundscape of calligraphy and music is a hallmark of Chinese civilization. This lecture explores their intricate connections and shared purpose, exemplified by Professor Lei Liang’s award-winning “A Thousand Mountains, A Million Streams,” and delves into Chou Wen-chung’s question, “When is a line not a line?” From Confucius’ “Six Arts” to modern masters like Huang Binhong, Pan Tianshou, Zao Wou-ki and Wang Dongling, the connections across centuries between music and calligraphy have bridged tradition and contemporary expression. In the age of AI, celebrating this human spirit becomes more vital than ever. The lecture will feature a special presentation of Huang Binhong’s masterpiece “Landscapes,” shown in stunning 4K projection with original music composed by Liang. Kuiyi Shen, professor of Asian art history, theory and criticism from UC San Diego, will provide a short commentary. Please join us for these events: Lecture in English, 4–5 p.m. Reception, 5–5:30 p.m. Lecture in Chinese, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Professor Hong will deliver the lecture again in Chinese after the reception. Bilingual audiences may opt to register for either the English or Chinese lecture.) This public lecture is co-sponsored by the 21st Century China Center (21CCC) at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) and Haili Foundation. For more information on China activities, please visit china.ucsd.edu. If you have any questions, please contact GPS Events Coordinator Susan Zau at jszau@ucsd.edu.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, is an American holiday celebrated annually on June 19. It is the oldest, national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. This year marks the 157th anniversary of when Union Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War ended and that enslaved people were now free. This announcement was more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth offers each of us the opportunity to acknowledge hard truths from U.S. history, celebrate the liberation of the enslaved ancestors of African Americans, and work together to advance racial healing, equity, and justice in our communities. The NAACP has hosted the North San Diego County Juneteenth for over 55 years. This year is particularly notable with it designated as a federal holiday after over 156 years of its existence. Highlights of this year's event promote the importance of education, contributions, and achievement. Highlights of the all-day event are performances, Kidz Zone, Educational - Community Info Outreach, Free Health Screenings, Vaccine Station, Local Artists / Musicians, and Food & Beverage Vendors. Please join us in celebrating the 157th year of liberation and emancipation. Visit: https://www.nsdcnaacp.org/juneteenth North San Diego County NAACP on Facebook / Instagram

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Del Mar Plaza with Seaside Sessions, a concert series and celebration featuring live music, tequila tastings and breathtaking ocean views. The festivities begin on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. with a special tasting event hosted by Monarch Ocean Pub to mark the launch of Emerald Spear Tequila. Guests are invited to visit Monarch’s multiple bars between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. to enjoy signature cocktails crafted with Emerald Spear, with proceeds benefiting the SEAL Future Foundation. As the sun begins to set, head up to the Ocean View Deck and take in the scenic seaside views while enjoying live music from talented local artists. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Albert Hurtado will take the stage, followed by the Irish folk rock sounds of Kirk & Gilly of The Fooks from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. With the sun setting over the Pacific, it’s the perfect place to relax, sip, and take in the coastal atmosphere. In addition to the live music and tequila tastings, locals and visitors can browse the Plaza’s collection of upscale boutiques and galleries, recharge at one of the wellness or fitness studios, and enjoy ocean-view dining at one of their acclaimed eateries. For more information, visit https://delmarplaza.com/. Del Mar Plaza on Facebook / Instagram

Seabreeze Craft Chocolates is hosting special Easter-themed chocolate decorating classes on April 12 and 13 at 11 a.m.! Children ages 5 and up will enjoy a fun and interactive 90-minute session, decorating their own Easter-themed chocolate bar and a chocolate-covered Oreo cookie while learning the art of chocolate making. Kids will get hands-on experience with chocolate decoration, tapping into their creativity while discovering the delicious world of chocolate. All materials and tools are provided, and each child takes home their custom-designed Easter treats to enjoy. A parent or guardian must accompany their child(ren) throughout the class, and parents are welcome to join in and decorate a chocolate bar for an additional $35. Space is limited, reserve your spot in advance by visiting https://www.seabreezechocolates.com/chocolate-classes. Seabreeze Craft Chocolates on Instagram

The Pentagon and U.S. military officials in Europe are working with NATO members to ship more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and release more munitions that were briefly halted.

Each year the ARCS Foundation, San Diego Chapter, a non-profit organization led entirely by women, hosts a Scientist of the Year fundraiser to honor a preeminent local scientist. This year’s honoree, Dr. Rob Knight, has dedicated his career to the study of microbiomes–the microorganisms that live in the environment and the human body. His research is relevant for a wide range of practical applications, and his affiliations on campus reflect the deep interdisciplinary nature of his work. Knight is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics in the UC San Diego School of Medicine; and a professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, where he is also the founding director of the UC San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation. Also at UC San Diego, Knight is affiliated with the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI) and the Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM). ARCS San Diego invites you to join them for a celebration of science and scientists that is set for Sunday, April 13 (4-8 p.m.) at The Conrad Performing Arts Center in La Jolla. In addition to honoring Dr. Knight, the program will pay tribute to this year’s ARCS Scholars – all 50 of them – along with distinguished ARCS Scholar alumna, Dr. Kathryn Patras, Assistant Professor of Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. All funds raised at this event will support future ARCS Scholars. Through their research, these talented Scholars make outstanding contributions to advance science and keep America competitive on the global stage, which is the ARCS mission. ARCS San Diego has put together an exciting program for its signature event. For program details and to register, go to: https://san-diego.arcsfoundation.org/ About ARCS: The ARCS Foundation (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists), a national organization with 15 chapters across the country, provides financial awards to promising graduate students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and medical research. Since its inception in 1985, the San Diego Chapter of ARCS has given more than $12.8 million to support graduate students at four local institutions: UCSD, SDSU, USD, and Scripps Research.

This group exhibition showcases recent works by the talented faculty and staff of the Fine Art department. The artwork on display highlights the creativity and dedication of instructors and staff, who find the time to pursue their studio practice. The exhibit includes an array of traditional and contemporary media, such as painting, photography, installation, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, and more. Participating Artists: Trevor Amery, Jenny Armer, Brian Benfer, Nathan Betschart, Kraig Cavanaugh, Patricio Chavez, Christopher Ferreria, Misty Hawkins, Gosia Herc, Lisa Hutton, Wendell Kling, Chris Lahti, Georgia K. Laris, Alessandra Moctezuma, Amy Paul, Jacqueline Ramirez, Robyko, Chelsea Ruwe, Juan Carlos Toth, Sandra Wascher. Exhibit on view Feb. 10 – March 6, 2025. Join us for the reception: Wednesday, February 12, 4 - 7 pm. Art Gallery FA 103. Light refreshments. Free and open to the public. Free Parking in Lot # 1 STAFF spaces ONLY. Reception Night ONLY. Gallery Hours: 12 – 5 p.m., M-Th or by appointment. Closed Fridays, Weekends & Holidays.(closed Monday, February 17). During regular gallery hours park in the visitor spots or purchase a parking permit at the machines or via de app. Mesa College Art Gallery on Facebook / Instagram / X

As the Trump administration begins carrying out its mass deportation policy, Mexico is preparing to take in thousands of deportees, including in Tijuana. Plus, the city of San Diego is raising parking rates to help ease budget cuts. And, a beloved art wall in Southeast San Diego is having a comeback after almost 30 years.

Still-life painting is the study of everyday objects that take on a new life, tell a story and can act as a portal to another place or time. Emphasis in this class will be on an impressionist technique of painting using an alla prima (wet into wet) style of painting, keeping loose brushwork, thick paint, and eliminating detail. We will cover composition, color, form, and lighting. There will be a setup for each class along with photo images to create from. I do a painting demonstration in each class. One of our exercises will be a personal still life using objects that have meaning for us. The best part is that we will have fun as we share our discoveries together. Come join us! I cannot wait to see what you will create. This class is for all levels of painters, both beginning and experienced. You are also welcome to do your own work. This is a good place to be with other talented artists and enjoy the creative atmosphere here at the Athenaeum. Please let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help. sharoncaroldemery@gmail.com Materials: Paints: Your preference of paints: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache … you name it! Please include Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Light (cool yellow), Cadmium Yellow (warm yellow), Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Viridian Green or Phthalo Green—plus any colors of paint that you would like to use. Brushes: Bring a variety of brushes for your choice of paints that include #2, #4, #6, #8. Good quality brushes make a difference. Other materials: 12” x16” paper palette pad; odorless Turpenoid and linseed oil for oils; soft vine charcoal; 1.5- or 2-inch palette knife; paper towels; two small jars with lids; spray bottle for acrylic painters; sketchbook; color pencils; four canvas or canvas boards, 11” x 14” or your preference. Good quality watercolor paper for watercolor painters. Suggested items: Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal to keep paints moist; glass palette to go inside the box making paint easier to mix; Silicoil jar with spring in the bottom to clean brushes; two tall containers to hold clean and used brushes at your station in the studio. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook